Old Testament

When it comes to having a progressive mindset toward discipleship, it is about God before self`... No matter what… At all times - And all ways.

Personal Discipleship Requires Having a Progressive Mindset

Many things in life and work require having a progressive mindset. I’ve come to understand that this is especially true when it comes to personal discipleship. Before I explain that and put it into context of Edwards’ second resolution, let me explain a bit....

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Bad moods are an inevitable part of the human condition. Take time to stop and consider their ripple effect, and how much more valuable the impact on others, if you were to be disciplined enough to counter your condition with positive moods.

Moodiness and Bad Moods… and Why They’re Stupid!

Bad moods are inevitable. Some of us find our way into them more often than others, but it happens to us all. It may be caused by how we are feeling, events that happen, as a response to stress, or just because. Heck, I have been so moody, it seems like I am sometimes...

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The practice of self-examination is a key to refining life, on purpose. It is a heart matter that is not a matter of self-help. It’s why Edwards’s 41st resolution is one of intentionality.

Self-Examination is a Key to Refining Life, on Purpose

It’s safe to presume Jonathan Edwards was devoted to self-examination. Perhaps that’s one of the things that has made this the perfect topic for the year of listening up. That’s because, though 1Glories is ever-evolving, one element is pretty constant; “refining life,...

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We encounter gray areas in many ways. But, just because it’s not clearly one way or another, have we gone too far by considering a “gray area” to be synonymous with “yeah, it’s wrong, but since it’s a gray area, it’s okay”? Edwards saw this likelihood, and perhaps he drafted resolution 39 for that reason.

Are You Too Comfortable in the Gray Areas of Life?

Life comes with a lot of gray areas. We meet them in many situations, whether it’s in business, marriage, following laws, or otherwise. Too often, though, when someone says, “it’s sort of a gray area" they say it to infer “yeah, it’s not right, but it’s a gray area,...

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Judging others is a frequent Christian Living trope. Edwards 21 Resolution shows we should seek to be living as the judged and NOT as the judges.

The Hypocrisy and Reason for Judging Others

Not a day goes by that I don't find myself judging others. On the one hand, I grow angry with myself because I am judging others. On the other hand, I thank God for revealing to me those things I should seek to rid from my life and being. In that regard, it is a gift....

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Knowing and making the right Christian response to conflict and in small moments shows a grasp of personal discipline, cultivated wisdom, submission to the Holy Spirit, and more.

What’s the Right Christian Response in Big & Small Moments?

One of my former pastors encourages people to ask “what is the right Christian response to this?” when faced with conflict. It's not just conflict, though. It’s an appropriate question for all matters of life. Being able to press pause for questioning an appropriate...

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The phrase, Christian Living is probably a publishing industry invention. But it may be one of the most important disciplines of our age. I think Jonathan Edwards’s first resolution captures this ideal for becoming more like the character of Christ and in frequent communion with God.

The Art of Christian Living – World but Not Worldly

I tried to find the origin of the phrase, Christian Living. I failed. It’s not overly surprising to me. However, I have seen it in many avenues over the last several months, so I thought there was a chance. But the art of Christian Living may be one of the most...

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Being charitable is not just a box to be checked. It’s a way of Christian living. An act of compassion and love. I can’t help but wonder if our current age has allowed the concept of charity to evolve to something it vastly different than what Jesus wanted us to pursue.

How Being Charitable May Not Mean What You Think it Does

My earliest memories of the concept of being charitable go back to probably first or second grade. I had attended mass with my mom. Afterwards, they handed out unassembled boxes to the churchgoers as they left. Mom explained to me that we were expected to go home,...

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It’s easier to see the fatal flaws of others than it is of our own. Ironically, though, what we see in others is often the unseen behaviors of ourselves. Yet, there is opportunity and an antidote for such fatal flaws.

The Fatal Flaws Found in The Greatest Of Sinners

I am the biggest sinner. That's not a title I wear with any sense of pride, however. I wear the title with shame and humility. But the bigger question, though, is why I am the biggest sinner? The answer to that is rooted in the study of Edwards’s resolution number 8....

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